Resident Doctor Strike Forces Cheltenham A&E to Operate as Minor Injuries Unit

Resident Doctor Strike Hits Gloucestershire Emergency Services

Patients across Gloucestershire are being urged to plan ahead as a six-day walkout by resident doctors across England forces significant changes to local emergency healthcare provision. The industrial action, which began at 07:00 BST on Tuesday, has compelled Cheltenham General Hospital to downgrade its accident and emergency department to a minor injuries unit for the duration of the strike.

What Triggered the Strike?

The walkout follows the breakdown of negotiations between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government over pay. While the government accepted an independent pay review body's recommendation of a 3.5% pay rise for all doctors from April, the BMA maintains this falls far short of what is needed.

According to the BMA, despite resident doctor salaries rising by approximately one-third over the past four years, pay remains roughly 20% below 2008 levels when adjusted for inflation. This dispute has now produced 15 rounds of strike action since it first began in March 2023, making this latest walkout one of the longest in the ongoing conflict.

Impact on Local Services

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham General Hospital's A&E department, which ordinarily operates a daytime emergency service, will function solely as a minor injuries unit throughout the strike period. Patients requiring full emergency care are advised to seek alternative facilities.

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

By contrast, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital's emergency department will continue to operate as normal, providing a vital safety net for residents requiring urgent care during the strike.

Outpatient and Surgical Disruption

Professor Mark Pietroni, Director of Safety and Medical Director at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, confirmed that between 100 and 150 outpatient appointments and between 10 and 30 surgical procedures and operations are expected to be cancelled as a direct result of the action.

Hospital Trust Responds with Confidence

Despite the disruption, Professor Pietroni expressed confidence in the Trust's ability to maintain safe patient care throughout the strike period.

"We've had no problem covering the rotas and I'm confident we'll be able to provide safe care and the majority of our elective care during the strike as well," he said, adding that he had been "remarkably impressed" by the level of cooperation shown by senior medical staff.

Patients were advised to attend scheduled appointments as normal unless specifically contacted and told otherwise.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also confirmed that community minor injury and illness units, along with GP practices across the county, would remain fully operational. Those uncertain about which service to use were directed to visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for guidance.

Striking Doctors Acknowledge Public Frustration

Not all participating doctors are without reservations about the strike action. Sam Taylor-Smith, a resident doctor based at Bristol Royal Infirmary, acknowledged the difficult position both medical professionals and the public find themselves in.

"I think there's a part of me that always feels regretful whenever we take strike action — we don't go into the medical profession to do that," he said. "Members of the public are understandably frustrated with the situation, as are we, given the longevity and complexity of it."

Taylor-Smith said he remained willing to speak openly with members of the public to help explain the doctors' position.

Advice for Patients

Anyone in Gloucestershire requiring medical attention during the strike is encouraged to:

• Attend scheduled appointments unless notified of a cancellation
• Visit 111.nhs.uk for guidance on urgent care needs
• Call 111 if unsure which service is most appropriate
• Use community minor injury units or GP services for non-emergency concerns

The strike is currently scheduled to run until Monday, and healthcare authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.